"Get Rich or Die Tryin" rapper 50 Cent has been charged with domestic violence and vandalism for allegedly attacking an ex-girlfriend, USA Today reports. If the rapper is convicted he could face up to five years in jail and $46,000 in fines.
According to reports, the 37-year-old, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, attacked and trashed a Toluca Lake apartment belonging to a woman who claims to be the mother of 50 Cent's child. The woman told police that during an argument 50 Cent began destroying her apartment. She locked herself in the bedroom and the rapper allegedly kicked open the door and also kicked her, causing injury.
By the time police arrived at the scene, the rapper had left. Police estimated that the damage amounts to about $7,100 for the replacement of destroyed items including clothing, chandeliers, furniture and a television.
"Regardless of perceived celebrity or notoriety, domestic violence is a serious crime and alleged perpetrators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law by this office," city attorney Mike Feuer told USA Today.
The woman's name was not released by police but TMZ is reporting that the woman accusing the rapper of domestic violence isn't Shaniqua Tompkins, the mother of his 16-year-old son, but a different woman. The celebrity website claims the woman's name is Daphne Joy, a model who famously dated 50 Cent for three years.
There were rumors last fall that 50 Cent and Joy had a child but neither one confirmed the rumor. The "Candy Shop" rapper took to Twitter to dispel rumors that he had been arrested posting that he was in car listening to music.
50 Cent is due for arraignment July 22.
